Non-working snowblower

[97prizm]

Hi All,

My neighbor just gave me his non running snowblower. This is the first that I've ever owned, so not too versed on maintenance. I did find Christmas lights wrapped around the left side of the auger. From what I was told the Yard Machines blower 10 years old or so and has a Tecumseh 3.5 horsepower engine. It's model number is 31A-240-800. My neighbor said he couldn't get it to start or run. I figured i'd go down the route of push mowers with the same issue. However I've always had Briggs and Stratton engines not sure if the Tecumseh are similar.

 

[Donald]

Well it's probably the carburetor. But look for simple things like a spark plug damaged or a mouse nest. Typically there is no air filter. Try to spray some starter fluid in the intake and see if it will even try and start.

Maybe a clogged gas filter if it has one.

If it tries to start then fresh gas and see if it will start.

In the end maybe pull the carburetor and clean it.

 

[gathermewool]

Remove Christmas lights.

Clean the carb, change the spark plug, add fresh gas and try again.

 

[JimPghPA]

If cleaning the carb and fresh gas and new spark-plug does not get it running you can find new carburetors on e-bay.

 

[69GTX]

Sometimes the grounding connection is messed up....preventing a start when everything is perfect.

 

[The_Jeff]

Also check the deadman control/ is there spark? These freeze up.

 

[das_peikko]

The most sensitive part --- and the biggest variable --- is the carburetor. They need to be kept CLEAN. The first thing I'd do is wash the fuel tank out and disassemble the carburetor for cleaning. If you have a clean fuel system (which includes the carburetor), good compression and ignition, the engine has to run.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Originally Posted by JimPghPA
you can find new carburetors on e-bay.


This. It's easier than you think and costs less than $20.

 

[dwendt44]

The carb is the most likely problem with Tecumseh engines.
Usually ignore until a problem shows up.
All good ideas above, NGK plugs work best in these engines.


My 2¢

 

[wallyuwl]

Yup. I would get a new spark plug and new fuel. If it still doesn't run, replace the carb and it will almost surely run. Not worth the trouble cleaning it.

 

[joekingcorvette]

Pull the plug, pour some gas into the the spark plug hole and install new plug. If it fires up and quits its probably the carb. Also make sure the primer bulb
has pressure and primes properly. As others said then buy a new carb if you can't get the old one to work.

 

[FT92]

I agree with others, clean carb tecumseh carbs are rather touchy

 

[knerml]

Complete carb and supporting hardware is under $15 online

 

[toneydoc]

joekingcorvette beat me to the pouring a little gas in engine and reinstall plug and see if she hits
if she does, then probably carb, bad gas, or fuel line

 

[cronk]

If it has compression, it is more than likely the carburetor.
Make sure it has spark, if no spark, could be the coil.

If it does not have compression, check for a valve stuck open.

 

[RF Overlord]

So your neighbour ran over his own Christmas lights and didn't even know it? I hope we don't live in the same state...